Power generating systems

ABSTRACT

A power generating system includes a torque converter system receiving a rotational motion having a first torque from a source and producing a rotational output having a second torque different from the first torque, a transfer system having a first portion coupled to the rotational output of the torque converter system and a second portion magnetically coupled to the first portion, and a generator system coupled to the transfer system to produce and electrical output.

This application is a Divisional of Copending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/171,543, filed Jul. 1, 2005, which is a Continuation-In-Partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/758,000 filed on Jan. 16, 2004now U.S. Pat. No. 6,930,421, and which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/440,622 filed on Jan. 17, 2003,which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to power generating systems. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to various power systemsusing torque converter and generator systems.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

In general, power generation systems make use of mechanical couplings totransmit rotational motion between drive shafts. However, due tofrictional forces between the mechanical couplings heat is produced,thereby reducing the efficiency of the power generating systems. Inaddition, the frictional forces cause significant mechanical wear on allmoving parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a power generatingsystem using a torque converter that substantially obviates one or moreof the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a power generatingsystem having an increased output.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a power generatingsystem having reduced frictional wear.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a power generatingsystem that does not generate heat.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth inthe description which follows and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theobjectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized andattained by the structure particularly pointed out in the writtendescription and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, a powergenerating system includes a torque converter system receiving arotational motion having a first torque from a source and producing arotational output having a second torque, the torque converter comprisesa flywheel rotatable about a first axis, the flywheel including a firstbody portion, a first plurality of magnets mounted in the first bodyportion, each of the first plurality of magnets extending along acorresponding radial axial direction with respect to the first axis, anda second plurality of magnets mounted in the first body portion, each ofthe second plurality of magnets being located between a correspondingadjacent pair of the first plurality of magnets, the flywheel receivingthe rotational motion having the first torque, and a generator diskrotatable about a second axis angularly offset with respect to the firstaxis, the generator disk including a second body portion, and a thirdplurality of magnets within the second body portion magnetically coupledto the first and second pluralities of permanent magnets, the generatordisk coupled to produce the rotational output having the second torque,a transfer system having a first portion coupled to the rotationaloutput of the torque converter system and a second portion magneticallycoupled to the first portion, and a generator system coupled to thetransfer system to produce an electrical output.

In another aspect, a power generating system includes a torque convertersystem receiving a rotational motion having a first torque from a sourceand producing a rotational output having a second torque, the torqueconverter comprises a flywheel rotatable about a first axis, theflywheel including a first body portion, a first plurality of magnetsmounted in the first body portion, each of the first plurality ofmagnets extending along a corresponding radial axial direction withrespect to the first axis, and a second plurality of magnets mounted inthe first body portion, each of the second plurality of magnets beinglocated between a corresponding adjacent pair of the first plurality ofmagnets, the flywheel receiving the rotational motion having the firsttorque, and a generator disk rotatable about a second axis angularlyoffset with respect to the first axis, the generator disk including asecond body portion, and a third plurality of magnets within the secondbody portion magnetically coupled to the first and second pluralities ofpermanent magnets, the generator disk coupled to produce the rotationaloutput having the second torque, a generator system coupled to therotational output of the torque converter system to produce electricaland rotational outputs, a transfer system having a first portion coupledto the rotational output of the generator system and a second portionmagnetically coupled to the first portion to produce a rotationalmotion, and a mechanical output system coupled to the rotational motionof the transfer system.

In another aspect, a power generating system includes a torque convertersystem receiving a rotational motion having a first torque from a sourceand producing a rotational output having a second torque, the torqueconverter comprises a flywheel rotatable about a first axis, theflywheel including a first body portion, a first plurality of magnetsmounted in the first body portion, each of the first plurality ofmagnets extending along a corresponding radial axial direction withrespect to the first axis, and a second plurality of magnets mounted inthe first body portion, each of the second plurality of magnets beinglocated between a corresponding adjacent pair of the first plurality ofmagnets, the flywheel receiving the rotational motion having the firsttorque, and a generator disk rotatable about a second axis angularlyoffset with respect to the first axis, the generator disk including asecond body portion, and a third plurality of magnets within the secondbody portion magnetically coupled to the first and second pluralities ofpermanent magnets, the generator disk coupled to produce the rotationaloutput having the second torque, a generator system receiving therotational output of the torque converter system and producing aplurality of electrical outputs coupled to a plurality of output controlsystems, a plurality of motor drives, each coupled to an output of atleast one of the output control systems, and a plurality of outputsystems, each coupled to at least one of the motor drives.

In another aspect, a power generating system includes a torque convertersystem receiving a rotational motion having a first torque from a sourceand producing a rotational output having a second torque, the torqueconverter comprises a flywheel rotatable about a first axis, theflywheel including a first body portion, a first plurality of magnetsmounted in the first body portion, each of the first plurality ofmagnets extending along a corresponding radial axial direction withrespect to the first axis, and a second plurality of magnets mounted inthe first body portion, each of the second plurality of magnets beinglocated between a corresponding adjacent pair of the first plurality ofmagnets, the flywheel receiving the rotational motion having the firsttorque, and a generator disk rotatable about a second axis angularlyoffset with respect to the first axis, the generator disk including asecond body portion, and a third plurality of magnets within the secondbody portion magnetically coupled to the first and second pluralities ofpermanent magnets, the generator disk coupled to produce the rotationaloutput having the second torque, a plurality of transfer systems, eachcoupled to one of the plurality of rotational outputs, and a pluralityof generator systems, each coupled to one of the transfer systems.

In another aspect, a power generating system includes a torque convertersystem receiving a rotational motion having a first torque from a sourceand producing a rotational output having a second torque, the torqueconverter comprises a flywheel rotatable about a first axis, theflywheel including a first body portion, a first plurality of magnetsmounted in the first body portion, each of the first plurality ofmagnets extending along a corresponding radial axial direction withrespect to the first axis, and a second plurality of magnets mounted inthe first body portion, each of the second plurality of magnets beinglocated between a corresponding adjacent pair of the first plurality ofmagnets, the flywheel receiving the rotational motion having the firsttorque, and a generator disk rotatable about a second axis angularlyoffset with respect to the first axis, the generator disk including asecond body portion, and a third plurality of magnets within the secondbody portion magnetically coupled to the first and second pluralities ofpermanent magnets, the generator disk coupled to produce the rotationaloutput having the second torque, a transfer system having a firstportion coupled to the rotational output of the torque converter systemand a second portion magnetically coupled to the first portion, a fluidconduit disposed between the first and second portions of the transfersystem, the second portion of the transfer system disposed within thefluid conduit, and a fluid driver coupled to the second portion of thetransfer system within the fluid conduit.

In another aspect, a power generating system includes a torque convertersystem receiving a rotational motion having a first torque and producinga rotational output having a second torque, a transfer system having afirst portion coupled to the rotational output of the torque convertersystem and a second portion magnetically coupled to the first portion, afluid conduit disposed between the first and second portions of thetransfer system, the second portion of the transfer system disposedwithin the fluid conduit, and a fluid driver coupled to the secondportion of the transfer system within the fluid conduit.

In another aspect, a power generating system includes a torque convertersystem receiving a rotational motion having a first torque and producinga first rotational output having a second torque, a transfer systemincluding first and second portions magnetically coupled to each other,the first portion connected to the rotational output of the torqueconverter system and the second portion producing a second rotationaloutput, a generator system having an input connected the secondrotational output and an electrical output, and a controller connectedto the electric output and producing a first output connected to a firstbank and a second output connected to a second bank, wherein the firstbank produces first operations and recharge voltages and the second bankproduces second operational and recharge voltages.

In another aspect, a power generating system includes a generator drivesystem receiving voltage input to produce a first rotational output, atransfer system having a first portion connected to the first rotationaloutput and a second portion producing a second rotational output havinga first torque, a torque converter system receiving the secondrotational output and producing a third rotational output having asecond torque, and an aircraft system coupled to the third rotationaloutput.

In another aspect, a power generating system includes a torque convertersystem receiving a rotational motion having a first torque from a sourceand producing a rotational output having a second torque, the torqueconverter comprises a flywheel rotatable about a first axis, theflywheel including a first body portion, a first plurality of magnetsmounted in the first body portion, each of the first plurality ofmagnets extending along a corresponding radial axial direction withrespect to the first axis, and a second plurality of magnets mounted inthe first body portion, each of the second plurality of magnets beinglocated between a corresponding adjacent pair of the first plurality ofmagnets, the flywheel receiving the rotational motion having the firsttorque, and a generator disk rotatable about a second axis angularlyoffset with respect to the first axis, the generator disk including asecond body portion, and a third plurality of magnets within the secondbody portion magnetically coupled to the first and second pluralities ofpermanent magnets, the generator disk coupled to produce the rotationaloutput having the second torque, a transfer system having a firstportion coupled to the rotational output of the torque converter systemand a second portion magnetically coupled to the first portion, a fluidconduit disposed between the first and second portions of the transfersystem, the second portion of the transfer system disposed within thefluid conduit, and a fluid driver coupled to the second portion of thetransfer system within the fluid conduit.

In another aspect, a power generating system includes a torque convertersystem receiving a rotational motion having a first torque from a sourceand producing a rotational output having a second torque, the torqueconverter comprises a flywheel rotatable about a first axis, theflywheel including a first body portion, a first plurality of magnetsmounted in the first body portion, each of the first plurality ofmagnets extending along a corresponding radial axial direction withrespect to the first axis, and a second plurality of magnets mounted inthe first body portion, each of the second plurality of magnets beinglocated between a corresponding adjacent pair of the first plurality ofmagnets, the flywheel receiving the rotational motion having the firsttorque, and a generator disk rotatable about a second axis angularlyoffset with respect to the first axis, the generator disk including asecond body portion, and a third plurality of magnets within the secondbody portion magnetically coupled to the first and second pluralities ofpermanent magnets, the generator disk coupled to produce the rotationaloutput having the second torque, a transfer system including first andsecond portions magnetically coupled to each other, the first portionconnected to the rotational output of the torque converter system andthe second portion producing a second rotational output, a generatorsystem having an input connected the second rotational output and anelectrical output, and a controller connected to the electric output andproducing a first output connected to a first bank and a second outputconnected to a second bank, wherein the first bank produces firstoperations and recharge voltages and the second bank produces secondoperational and recharge voltages.

In another aspect, a power generating system includes a torque convertersystem receiving a rotational motion having a first torque from a sourceand producing a rotational output having a second torque, the torqueconverter comprises a flywheel rotatable about a first axis, theflywheel including a first body portion, a first plurality of magnetsmounted in the first body portion, each of the first plurality ofmagnets extending along a corresponding radial axial direction withrespect to the first axis, and a second plurality of magnets mounted inthe first body portion, each of the second plurality of magnets beinglocated between a corresponding adjacent pair of the first plurality ofmagnets, the flywheel receiving the rotational motion having the firsttorque, and a generator disk rotatable about a second axis angularlyoffset with respect to the first axis, the generator disk including asecond body portion, and a third plurality of magnets within the secondbody portion magnetically coupled to the first and second pluralities ofpermanent magnets, the generator disk coupled to produce the rotationaloutput having the second torque, a transfer system including first andsecond portions magnetically coupled to each other, the first portionconnected to the rotational output of the torque converter system andthe second portion producing a second rotational output, a generatorsystem having an input connected the second rotational output and anelectrical output, and a controller connected to the electric output andproducing a first output connected to a first bank and a second outputconnected to a second bank, wherein the first bank produces firstoperations and recharge voltages and the second bank produces secondoperational and recharge voltages.

In another aspect, a power generating system includes a generator drivesystem receiving voltage input to produce a first rotational output, atransfer system having a first portion connected to the first rotationaloutput and a second portion producing a second rotational output havinga first torque, a torque converter system receiving the secondrotational output and a producing a third rotational output having asecond torque, the torque converter comprises a flywheel rotatable abouta first axis receiving the second rotational output, the flywheelincluding a first body portion, a first plurality of magnets mounted inthe first body portion, each of the first plurality of magnets extendingalong a corresponding radial axial direction with respect to the firstaxis, and a second plurality of magnets mounted in the first bodyportion, each of the second plurality of magnets being located between acorresponding adjacent pair of the first plurality of magnets, theflywheel receiving the rotational motion having the first torque, and agenerator disk rotatable about a second axis for producing the thirdrotational output, the generator disk including a second body portion,and a third plurality of magnets within the second body portionmagnetically coupled to the first and second pluralities of permanentmagnets, the generator disk coupled to produce the rotational outputhaving the second torque, and an aircraft system coupled to the thirdrotational output.

In another aspect, a power generating system includes a torque convertersystem receiving a rotational motion having a first torque from a sourceand producing a rotational output having a second torque, the torqueconverter comprises a flywheel rotatable about a first axis, theflywheel including a first body portion having a first radius from acircumferential surface and a first radius of curvature, a firstplurality of magnets mounted in the first body portion, each end of thefirst plurality of magnets having first ends disposed from thecircumferential surface of the first body portion, and each of the firstends having a second radius of curvature similar to the first radius ofcurvature, and a second plurality of magnets mounted in the first bodyportion, each of the second plurality of magnets being located between acorresponding adjacent pair of the first plurality of magnets, theflywheel receiving the rotational motion having the first torque, and agenerator disk rotatable about a second axis angularly offset withrespect to the first axis, the generator disk including a second bodyportion, and a third plurality of magnets within the second body portionmagnetically coupled to the first and second pluralities of permanentmagnets, the generator disk coupled to produce the rotational outputhaving the second torque, a transfer system having a first portioncoupled to the rotational output of the torque converter system and asecond portion magnetically coupled to the first portion, and agenerator system coupled to the transfer system to produce andelectrical output, the generator including a rotor having an even numberof magnetic sources and a first pair of stators, each stator having afirst set of odd-number of coil members and each stator disposedadjacent to opposing side portions of the rotor.

In another aspect, a multiple power generating system includes a torqueconverter system receiving a rotational motion having a first torquefrom a source and producing a plurality of rotational outputs eachhaving a second torque, the torque converter includes a plurality offlywheels each rotatable about a first axis, each of the flywheelsinclude a first body portion, a first plurality of magnets mounted inthe first body portion, each of the first plurality of magnets extendingalong a corresponding radial axial direction with respect to the firstaxis, and a second plurality of magnets mounted in the first bodyportion, each of the second plurality of magnets being located between acorresponding adjacent pair of the first plurality of magnets, and eachof the flywheels receiving the rotational input having the first torque,and a plurality of generator disks each rotatable about a second axis,each of the generator disks include a second body portion, and a thirdplurality of magnets within the second body portion magnetically coupledto the first and second pluralities of permanent magnets upon rotationof at least one the flywheels and at least one of the generator disks,and each of the generator disks coupled to produce the rotational outputhaving the second torque.

In another aspect, a multiple power generating system includes a torqueconverter system receiving a rotational motion having a first torquefrom a source and producing a plurality of rotational outputs eachhaving a second torque, the torque converter includes at least oneflywheel rotatable about a first axis, the flywheel including a firstbody portion, a first plurality of magnets mounted in the first bodyportion, each of the first plurality of magnets extending along acorresponding radial axial direction with respect to the first axis, anda second plurality of magnets mounted in the first body portion, each ofthe second plurality of magnets being located between a correspondingadjacent pair of the first plurality of magnets, and the flywheelreceiving the rotational input having the first torque, and a pluralityof generator disks each rotatable about a second axis, each of thegenerator disks include a second body portion, and a third plurality ofmagnets within the second body portion magnetically coupled to the firstand second pluralities of permanent magnets upon rotation of the atleast one the flywheel and at least one of the generator disks, and eachof the generator disks coupled to produce the rotational output havingthe second torque.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this application, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a layout diagram of an exemplary flywheel according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary attachment structure of theflywheel according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of region A of FIG. 1 showing an exemplaryplacement of driver magnets within a flywheel according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a layout diagram of an exemplary generator disk according tothe present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary shaft attachment to a generatordisk according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of exemplary magnetic fields of theflywheel of FIG. 1 according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary initial magneticcompression process of the torque converter according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary magnetic compressionprocess of the torque converter according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of region A of FIG. 8 according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 is another enlarged view of region A of FIG. 9 according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary magnetic decompressionprocess of the torque converter according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary magnetic force pattern ofthe flywheel of FIG. 1 during a magnetic compression process of FIG. 8according to the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective plan view of an exemplary torque transfersystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a side view of another exemplary torque transfer systemaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side view of another exemplary torque transfer systemaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a side view of another exemplary torque transfer systemaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a side view of another exemplary torque transfer systemaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a schematic side view of an exemplary multivariable generatoraccording to the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary generator statoraccording to the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary generator rotoraccording to the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of an exemplary assembled generatoraccording to the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary mobile power generationsystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary variable speed directdrive system according to the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vehicle transmissionsystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary vehicle transmissionsystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 26 is an exemplary dual output shaft system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary internal impeller systemaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vehicle charging systemaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary aircraft power systemaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary power generating systemaccording to the present invention; and

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary power generatingsystem according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the illustrated embodiments ofthe present invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a layout diagram of an exemplary flywheel according to thepresent invention. In FIG. 1, a flywheel 109 may be formed from acylindrical core of composite material(s), such as nylon, and may bebanded along a circumferential edge of the flywheel by a non-magneticretaining ring 116, such as non-magnetic stainless steel or phenolicmaterials. The flywheel 109 may include a plurality of magnets 102disposed within a plurality of equally spaced first radial grooves 101of the flywheel 109, wherein each of the magnets 102 may generaterelatively strong magnetic fields. In addition, each of the magnets 102may have cylindrical shapes and may be backed by a backing plate 203,such as soft iron or steel, disposed within each of the plurality offirst radial grooves 101 in order to extend the polar fields of themagnets 102 closer to a center C of the flywheel 109.

In FIG. 1, the flywheel 109 may also include a plurality of suppressormagnets 108 disposed within a plurality of second radial grooves 107along a circumferential face of the flywheel 109. Accordingly, as shownin FIG. 3, surfaces 110 of the magnets 102 may be spaced from acircumferencial surface S of the flywheel 109 by a distance X, andsurfaces of the suppressor magnets 108 may be recessed from thecircumferencial face S of the flywheel 109 by a distance Y.

In FIG. 1, each of the plurality of second radial grooves 107 may bedisposed between each of the plurality of first grooves 101. Forexample, each one of eight suppressor magnets 108 may be disposed withineach of eight grooves 107 and each one of eight magnets 102 may bedisposed within each of eight grooves 101. Accordingly, an angularseparation β between each of the first radial grooves 101 may be twicean angular separation a between adjacent first and second radial grooves101 and 107. Of course, the total number of magnets 102 and 108 and thefirst and second grooves 101 and 107, respectively, may be changed. Thesuppressor magnets 108 in the eight grooves 107 and the magnets 102 inthe eight grooves 101 of the flywheel 109 have their north magneticfields facing toward the circumferential surface S (in FIG. 3) of theflywheel 109 and their south magnetic fields facing radial inward towarda center portion C of the flywheel 109. Alternatively, opposite polararrangement may be possible such that the suppressor magnets 108 and themagnets 102 may have their south magnetic fields facing toward thecircumferential surface S (in FIG. 3) of the flywheel 109 and theirnorth magnetic fields facing radial inward toward a center portion C ofthe flywheel 109.

In FIG. 1, backing plates 203 may be disposed at end portions of themagnets disposed within the plurality of first grooves 101 at the southpoles of the magnets 102 in order to form a magnetic field strengthalong a radial direction toward the circumferential surface S (in FIG.3) of the flywheel 109. Although not specifically shown, each of thebacking plates may be attached to the flywheel 109 using a fasteningsystem, such as retaining pins and/or bolts, or may be retained withinthe flywheel 109 due to the specific geometry of the magnets 102 withinthe first grooves 101. Accordingly, interactions of the magnetic fieldsof the magnets 102 within the plurality of first grooves 101 and thesuppressor magnets 108 disposed within the plurality of second grooves107 create a magnetic field pattern (MFP), as shown in FIG. 6, ofrepeating arcuate shapes, i.e., sinusoidal curve, around thecircumferential surface S (in FIG. 3) of the flywheel 109.

In FIG. 1, the flywheel 109 may be formed of plastic material(s), suchas PVC and Plexiglas. In addition, the flywheel may be formed of moldedplastic material(s), and may be formed as single structure. The materialor materials used to form the flywheel 109 may include homogeneousmaterials in order to ensure a uniformly balanced system. In addition tothe circular geometry shown in FIG. 1, other geometries may be used forthe flywheel 109. For example, polygonal and triangular geometries maybe used for the flywheel 109. Accordingly, the number of magnets 102 andthe suppressor magnets 108 and placement of the magnets 102 and thesuppressor magnets 108 may be adjusted to provide magnetic coupling to acorresponding generator disk 111 (in FIG. 4)

In FIG. 1, the total number and sizes of the magnets 102 and thesuppressor magnets 108 may be adjusted according to an overall diameterof the flywheel 109. For example, as the diameter of the flywheel 109increases, the total number of magnets 102 and the suppressor magnets108 may increase. Conversely, as the diameter of the flywheel 109decreases, the total number of magnets 102 and the suppressor magnets108 may decrease. Furthermore, as the diameter of the flywheel 109increases or decreases, the total number of magnets 102 and thesuppressor magnets 108 may increase or decrease, respectively.Alternatively, as the diameter of the flywheel 109 increases ordecreases, the total number of magnets 102 and the suppressor magnets108 may decrease or increase, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an exemplary attachment structure of theflywheel according to the present invention. In FIG. 2, the flywheel 109includes a fastening system having plurality of spaced fastening members122 that may be used to attach a major face of the flywheel 109 to ashaft backing plate 120. Accordingly, a shaft 124 may be fastened to theshaft backing plate 120 using a plurality of support members 126. InFIG. 2, the shaft backing plate 120 may be formed having a circularshape having a diameter less than or equal to a diameter of the flywheel109. In addition, the shaft 124 may extend through the flywheel 109 andmay be coupled to an expanding flywheel 130. The expanding flywheel 130may be spaced from the flywheel 109 by a distance X in order to preventany deteriorating magnetic interference with the magnets 102 andsuppressor magnets 108 within the flywheel 109. The expanding flywheel130 may include structures (not shown) that would increase an overalldiameter D of the expanding flywheel 130 in order to increase theangular inertia of the flywheel 109. Moreover, the shaft 124 may extendthrough the expanding flywheel 130 to be supported by a supportstructure (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, the first and second retaining ring portions 116 aand 116 b may cover the entire circumferential surface S (in FIG. 3) ofthe flywheel 109. Accordingly, the outermost attachment tabs 118 a ofthe first retaining ring portion 116 a and the outermost attachment tabs118 d of the second retaining ring portion 116 b may be fastened to theflywheel 109 at adjacent locations to each other. In addition, althougheach of the first and second retaining ring portions 116 a and 116 b areshown having three innermost attachment tabs 118 b, differentpluralities of the innermost attachment tabs 118 b may be used accordingto the size of the flywheel 109, the number of magnets 102 and 108, andother physical features of the flywheel 109 components within theflywheel 109.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, a reinforced tape may be provided along anouter circumference of the retaining ring 116. Accordingly, thereinforced tape may protect the retaining ring 116 from abrasion.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of region A of FIG. 1 showing an exemplaryplacement of driver magnets within a flywheel according to the presentinvention. In FIG. 3, the surface 110 of the magnet 102 may have aradius of curvature R1 similar to the radius R2 of the flywheel 109. Forexample, R1 may be equal to R2, or R1 may be approximately equal to R2.In addition, the surface 108 a of the suppressor magnet 108 may have aradius of curvature R3 similar to the radiuses R1 and R2. However, thesurface 108 a of the suppressor magnet 108 may simply have a flat shape.

FIG. 4 is a layout diagram of an exemplary generator disk according tothe present invention. In FIG. 4, a generator disk 111, preferably madefrom a nylon or composite nylon disk, may include two rectangularmagnets 301 opposing each other along a first common center line CL1through a center portion C of the generator disk 111, wherein each ofthe rectangular magnets 301 may be disposed along a circumferentialportion of the generator disk 111. In addition, additional rectangularmagnets 302 may be provided between the two rectangular magnets 301, andmay be opposing each other along a second common center line CL2 througha center portion C of the generator disk 111 that is perpendicular tothe first common center line CL1. Alternatively, the additionalrectangular magnets 302 may be replaced with non-magnetic weightedmasses in order to prevent an unbalanced generator disk 111.

In FIG. 4, each of the two rectangular magnets 301, as well as each ofthe additional rectangular magnets 302 or the non-magnetic weightedmasses, may have a first length L extending along a directionperpendicular to the first and second common center lines CL1 and CL2,wherein a thickness of the two rectangular magnets 301, as well as eachof the additional rectangular magnets 302 or the non-magnetic weightedmasses, may be less than the first length L. In addition, each of thetwo rectangular magnets 301, as well as each of the additionalrectangular magnets 302, may have a relatively large magnetic strength,wherein surfaces of the two rectangular magnets 301, as well as each ofthe additional rectangular magnets 302, parallel to a major surface ofthe generator disk 111 may be one of south and north poles. Moreover,either an even-number or odd-number of magnets 301 may be used, andinterval spacings between the magnets 301 may be adjusted to attain adesired magnetic configuration of the generator disk 111.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an exemplary shaft attachment to a generatordisk according to the present invention. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the generatordisk 111 includes a plurality of spaced fastening members 305 that maybe used to attach the generator disk 111 to a shaft backing plate 306.Accordingly, a shaft 307 may be fastened to the shaft backing plate 306using a plurality of support members 308. In FIG. 5, the shaft backingplate 306 may be formed having a circular shape having a diameter lessthan or equal to a diameter of the generator disk 111.

In FIGS. 4 and 5, the generator disk 111 may be formed of the same, ordifferent materials from the materials used to form the flywheel 109 (inFIG. 1). Moreover, the geometry of the generator disk 111 may becircular, as shown in FIG. 4, or may be different, such as polygonal andtriangular shapes. In addition, the total number of the magnets 301, aswell as each of the additional rectangular magnets 302 or thenon-magnetic weighted masses, may be adjusted according to an overalldiameter of the flywheel 109 and/or the generator disk 111. For example,as the diameter of the flywheel 109 and/or the generator disk 111increases, the total number and size of the magnets 301, as well as eachof the additional rectangular magnets 302 or the non-magnetic weightedmasses, may increase. Conversely, as the diameter of the flywheel 109and/or generator disk 111 decreases, the total number and size of themagnets 301, as well as each of the additional rectangular magnets 302or the non-magnetic weighted masses, may decrease. Furthermore, as thediameter of the flywheel 109 and/or the generator disk 111 increases ordecreases, the total number and size of the magnets 301, as well as eachof the additional rectangular magnets 302 or the non-magnetic weightedmasses, may increase or decrease, respectively. Alternatively, as thediameter of the flywheel 109 and/or the generator disk 111 increases ordecreases, the total number and size of the magnets 301, as well as eachof the additional rectangular magnets 302 or the non-magnetic weightedmasses, may decrease or increase, respectively.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of exemplary magnetic fields of theflywheel of FIG. 1 according to the present invention. In FIG. 6,interactions of the magnetic fields of the magnets 102 and thesuppressor magnets 108 create a magnetic field pattern (MFP) ofrepeating arcuate shapes, i.e., sinusoidal curve, around thecircumferential surface S of the flywheel 109. Accordingly, the backingplates 203 and the suppressor magnets 108 provide for displacement ofthe south fields of the magnets 102 toward the center C of the flywheel109.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary initial magneticcompression process of the torque converter according to the presentinvention, FIG. 8 is another schematic diagram of an exemplary magneticcompression process of the torque converter according to the presentinvention, and FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary magneticdecompression process of the torque converter according to the presentinvention. In each of FIGS. 7, 8, and 11, the schematic view is seenfrom a rear of the generator disk, i.e., the surface opposite to thesurface of the generator disk 111 having the two rectangular magnets301, and the flywheel 109 is located behind the generator disk 111. Inaddition, the flywheel 109 is rotating in a downward clockwisedirection, as indicated, and the generator disk 111 is rotating along acounterclockwise direction. The generator disk 111 may be spaced fromthe flywheel 109 by a small air gap, such as within a range of aboutthree-eighths of an inch to about 0.050 inches. The small air gap may bedetermined by specific application. For example, systems requiring alarger configuration of the flywheel and generator disk may requireadjustment of the air gaps. Similarly, systems requiring more powerfulor less powerful magnets may require air gaps having a specific range ofair gaps. Moreover, for purposes of explanation the magnets 102 will nowsimply be referred to as driver magnets 102.

In FIG. 7, one of the two rectangular magnets 301 disposed on thegenerator disk 111 begins to enter one of the spaces within a magneticfield pattern (MFP) of the flywheel 109 between two north polesgenerated by the driver magnets 102. The driver magnets 102 may bedisposed along a circumferential center line of the flywheel 109, or maybe disposed along the circumference of the flywheel 109 in an offsetconfiguration. The midpoint between adjacent driver magnets 102 in theflywheel 109 is a position in which the MFP where the south pole fieldis the closest to the circumferential surface S (in FIG. 6) of theflywheel 109.

In FIG. 7, as the flywheel 109 rotates along the downward direction, thenorth pole of one of the two rectangular magnets 301 on the generatordisk 111 facing the circumferential surface S (in FIG. 6) of theflywheel 109 enters adjacent north magnetic field lines of the drivermagnets 102 along a shear plane of the two rectangular magnets 301 andthe driver magnets 102. Accordingly, the shear force required toposition one of the two rectangular magnets 301 between the adjacentdriver magnets 102 is less than the force required to directly compressthe north magnetic field lines of the two rectangular magnets 301between the adjacent driver magnets 102. Thus, the energy necessary toposition one of the two rectangular magnets 301 between adjacent ones ofthe driver magnets 102 is reduced.

In addition, the specific geometrical interface between the driver andrectangular magnets 102 and 301 provides for a relatively stablerepulsive magnetic field. For example, the cylindrical surface of theadjacent driver magnets 102 generate specific magnetic fields from thecurved surfaces 110. In addition, the planar surfaces P of therectangular magnet 301 entering the adjacent magnetic fields of theadjacent driver magnets 102 generate another specific magnetic field.Accordingly, the interaction of the magnetic fields of the driver andrectangular magnets 102 and 301, and more specifically, the manner inwhich the magnetic fields of the driver and rectangular magnets 102 and301 are brought into interaction, i.e., along a magnetic shear plane,create a relatively stable repulsive magnetic field.

In addition, although the suppressor magnet 108 also provides arepelling force to the driver magnet 102, the force of repulsion of thesuppressor magnet 108 is preferably relatively less than the repulsiveforce of the rectangular magnet 301. However, as will be explained withregard to FIG. 8, the suppressor magnet 108 provides an additionalrepulsion force when the magnetic fields of the driver and rectangularmagnets 102 and 301 are decompressed.

In FIG. 8, once the rectangular magnet 301 on the generator disk 111fully occupies the gap directly between the north poles of two adjacentdriver magnets 102 of the flywheel 109, the weaker north pole (ascompared to the north poles of the driver and rectangular magnets 102and 301) of the suppressor magnet 108 on the flywheel 109 is repelled bythe presence of the north pole of the rectangular magnet 301 on thegenerator disk 111. Thus, both the north and south magnetic fields ofthe MFP below the outer circumference of the flywheel 109 arecompressed, as shown at point A (in FIG. 12).

In FIG. 8, a centerline CL3 of the flywheel 109 is aligned with acenterline CL4 of the magnet 301 of the generator disk 111 duringmagnetic field compression of the driver magnets 102, the suppressormagnet 108, and the magnet 301 of the generator disk 301. Accordingly,placement of the rotation axis of the flywheel 109 and the rotation axisof the generator disk 111 is preferably set such that the centerline CL3of the flywheel 109 is aligned with the centerline CL4 of the magnet 301of the generator disk 111.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of region A of FIG. 8 according to thepresent invention. In FIG. 9, a distance X between facing surfaces ofthe driver magnet 102 (and likewise the other driver magnet 102 adjacentto the opposing end of the magnet 301 of the generator disk 111) is setin order to provide specific magnetic field compression of the drivermagnets 102 and the magnet 301 of the generator disk 111. Preferably,the distance X may be set to zero, but may be set to a value to ensurethat no torque slip occurs between the flywheel 109 and the generatordisk 111. The torque slip is directly related to the magnetic fieldcompression strength of the driver magnets 102 and the magnet 301, aswell as the magnetic strength and geometries of the driver magnets 102and the magnet 301.

FIG. 10 is another enlarged view of region A of FIG. 8 according to thepresent invention. In FIG. 10, the driver magnet 102 may have across-sectional geometry that includes a polygonal shape, wherein a sideof the polygonal shaped driver magnet 102 may be parallel to a side ofthe magnet 301 of the generator disk 11. However, the distance X betweenfacing surfaces of the driver magnet 102 (and likewise the other drivermagnet 102 adjacent to the opposing end of the magnet 301 of thegenerator disk 111) is set in order to provide specific magnetic fieldcompression of the driver magnets 102 and the magnet 301 of thegenerator disk 111. Preferably, the distance X may be set to zero, butmay be set to a value to ensure that no torque slip occurs between theflywheel 109 and the generator disk 111.

In FIG. 11, as the rectangular magnet 301 on the generator disk 111begins to rotate out of the compressed magnetic field position and awayfrom the flywheel 109, the north pole of the rectangular magnet 301 isstrongly pushed away by the repulsion force of the north pole of thetrailing driver magnet 102 on the flywheel 109 and by the magneticdecompression (i.e., spring back) of the previously compressed north andsouth fields in the MFP along the circumferential surface S (in FIG. 3)of the flywheel 109. The spring back force (i.e., magnetic decompressionforce) of the north pole in the MFP provides added repulsion to therectangular magnet 301 of the generator disk 111 as the rectangularmagnet 301 moves away from the flywheel 109.

Next, another initial magnetic compression process is started, as shownin FIG. 7, and the cycle of magnetic compression and decompressionrepeats. Thus, rotational movement of the flywheel 109 and the generatordisk 111 continues.

FIG. 13 is a perspective plan view of an exemplary torque transfersystem according to the present invention. In FIG. 13, a torque transfersystem may include a first rotational shaft 1A and a second rotationalshaft 1B. Both the first and second rotational shafts 1A and 1B may becoupled to other devices that may make use of the rotational motion andtorque transmitted by the first and second rotational shafts 1A and 1B.In addition, the first rotational shaft 1A may be coupled to a firstpair of magnetic members 2A and 2B via first coupling arms 4A and 4B,respectively, using a shaft coupling 6. Similarly, the second rotationalshaft 1B may be coupled to a second pair of magnetic members 3A and 3Bvia second coupling arms 5A and 5B, respectively, using a shaft coupling7. Accordingly, the first pair of magnetic members 2A and 2B may bealigned with each other along a first direction, and the second pair ofmagnetic members 3A and 3B may be aligned with each other along a seconddirection perpendicular to the first direction. The first and secondcoupling arms 4A/4B and 5A/5B may be made of non-magnetic material(s),thereby preventing any adverse reaction with the first and secondmagnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B. Of course, if the first and secondrotational shafts 1A and 1B are made of non-magnetic material(s), thenthe first and second coupling arms 4A/4B and 5A/5B may not be necessary.Thus, the first and second magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B may beconfigured to be coupled to the first and second rotational shafts 1Aand 1B using a rotational disks, thereby providing improved rotationalstabilization and improved precision.

In addition, the first and second magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B maybe configured to be movably coupled together. Accordingly, inducingrotational motion from one of the first magnetic members 2A/2B toanother of the second magnetic members 3A/3B may gradually achieved bymoving one of the first and second magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3Balong a direction parallel to the first and second rotational shafts 1Aand 1B. Thus, instantaneous transfers of rotational motion from/to thefirst and second rotational shafts 1A and 1B may be prevented.

In FIG. 13, the first pair of magnetic members 2A and 2B may have apolar orientation such that first faces 2C of the first pair of magneticmembers 2A and 2B are magnetic North poles facing toward the second pairof magnetic members 3A and 3B, and second faces 2D of the first pair ofmagnetic members 2A and 2B face toward the first rotational shaft 1A. Inaddition, the second pair of magnetic members 3A and 3B may have a polarorientation such that first faces 3C of the second pair of magneticmembers 3A and 3B North poles face toward the first pair of magneticmembers 2A and 2B, and second faces 3D of the second pair of magneticmembers 3A and 3B that face toward the second rotational shaft 1A.Accordingly, the opposing first faces 2C and 3C of the first and secondmagnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B, respectively, may have like polarorientation. Although FIG. 13 shows that the opposing first faces 2C and3C of the first and second magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B,respectively, may have North magnetic polar orientations, the opposingfirst faces 2C and 3C of the first and second magnetic members 2A/2B and3A/3B, respectively, may have South magnetic polar orientations.

Accordingly, as the first rotational shaft 1A rotates about a firstaxial direction, the second magnetic members 3A and 3B are repelled bythe first magnetic members 2A and 2B, thereby rotating the secondrotational shaft 1B about a second axial direction identical to thefirst axial direction. Conversely, as the rate of rotation of the firstrotational shaft 1A is reduced or increased along the first axialdirection, the rate of rotation of the second rotational shaft 1B isreduced or increased by a direct correlation. Thus, as rotational torqueincreases or decreases along the first rotational shaft 1A, acorresponding amount of rotational torque may increase or decrease alongthe second rotational shaft 1B.

However, if the amount of torque transmitted along the first rotationalshaft 1A abruptly stops or abruptly increases, the magnetic repulsionbetween the first and second magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B may beovercome. Accordingly, the first rotational shaft 1A may actually rotateat least one-half of a revolution with respect to rotation of the secondrotational shaft 1B. Thus, the abrupt stoppage or increase of the torquetransmitted along the first rotational shaft 1A may be accommodated bythe first and second magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B, therebypreventing damage to the second rotational shaft 1B. In other words, ifthe change of transmitted torque exceeds the magnetic repulsion of thefirst and second magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B, then the secondrotational shaft 1B may “slip” in order to accommodate the change intorque. As compared to the related art, no shearing device may benecessary in order to prevent damage to the second rotational shaft 1Bby the abrupt stoppage or increase of the torque transmitted along thefirst rotational shaft 1A.

In addition, since no additional mechanical members are necessary totransmit the rotational motion, as well as rotational torque, from thefirst rotational shaft 1A to the second rotational shaft B, heat is notgenerated nor is any noise generated. Thus, according to the presentinvention, no heat signature is created nor is any traceable noisegenerated. Thus, the present invention is applicable to systems thatrequire stealth operation.

According to the present invention, various types and configurations ofmagnetic members may be implemented to achieve the same transfer ofrotational torque from one shaft to another shaft. For example, thegeometric shape and size of the first and second magnetic members 2A/2Band 3A/3B may be changed in order to provide specific magnetic couplingof the first and second rotational shafts 1A and 1B. Thus, the geometricshape and size of the first and second magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3Bmay include curved magnets, circular magnets, or non-linear geometries.Moreover, each of the first magnetic members 2A and 2B may have a firstgeometry and size and each of the second magnetic members 3A and 3B mayhave a second geometry and size different from the first geometry andsize.

FIG. 14 is a side view of another exemplary torque transfer systemaccording to the present invention. In FIG. 14, each of the first andsecond magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B may be disposed on either sideof a barrier 10. Accordingly, the barrier 10 may be made fromnon-magnetic material(s), thereby preventing interference with themagnetic fields of the first and second magnetic members 2A/2B and3A/3B. Moreover, each of the first and second magnetic members 2A/2B and3A/3B may be spaced apart from the barrier 10 by a distance D1 alongopposing side surfaces of the barrier 10. Accordingly, the distance D1may be adjusted to provide specific magnetic field coupling strengthsbetween the first and second magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B. Inaddition, a thickness of the barrier may be adjusted to also providespecific magnetic field coupling strength between the first and secondmagnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B. Furthermore, the barrier 10 maycomprise a composite of different materials that may provide specificmagnetic field coupling strength between the first and second magneticmembers 2A/2B and 3A/3B. In either event, the spacing D1 and/or thebarrier 10, and barrier material(s), may be selected to provide specificmagnetic field coupling strength between the first and second magneticmembers 2A/2B and 3A/3B.

FIG. 15 is a side view of another exemplary torque transfer systemaccording to the present invention. In FIG. 15, the first and secondrotational shafts 1A and 1B may be offset from one another by an angleθ₁, wherein the first rotational shaft 1A extends along a first axialdirection and the second rotational shaft 1B extends along a secondaxial direction that differs from the first axial direction by the angleθ₁. Accordingly, the first faces 3C of the second pair of magneticmembers 3A and 3B may be skewed (i.e., antiparallel) from the firstfaces 2C of the first pair of magnetic members 2A and 2B. Thus, theoffset of the first and second rotational shafts 1A and 1B may beaccommodated by an adjustment of the repelling magnetic fields betweenthe first and second pairs of magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B.Moreover, as shown in FIG. 16, the first and second rotational shafts 1Aand 1B may be offset from one another by an angle θ₂, wherein the firstrotational shaft 1A extends along a first axial direction and the secondrotational shaft 1B extends along a second axial direction that differsfrom the first axial direction by the angle θ₂. Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 17, the first and second rotational shafts 1A and 1B may bemutually offset from a center line angles of θ₃ and θ₄, wherein thefirst rotational shaft 1A extends along a first axial direction offsetfrom a center line by the angle θ₄ and the second rotational shaft 1Bextends along a second axial direction offset from the center line bythe angle θ₃ that may, or may not differ from the angle θ₄.

In FIGS. 15, 16, and 17, the angles θ₁, θ₂, θ₃, and θ₄ may all be thesame or may be different from each other. For example, angles θ₁, θ₂,θ₃, and θ₄ may be within a range from slightly more than 0 degrees toslightly less than 45 degrees. Accordingly, the magnetic strengths ofthe first and second pairs of magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B, as wellas the distances separating the first and second pairs of magneticmembers 2A/2B and 3A/3B, may determine the ranges for the angles θ₁, θ₂,θ₃, and θ₄. Furthermore, the distances between the first faces 3C of thesecond pair of magnetic members 3A and 3B and the first faces 2C of thefirst pair of magnetic members 2A and 2B may determine the ranges forthe angles θ₁, θ₂, θ₃, and θ₄.

Although not shown in FIGS. 15, 16, and 17, a barrier (similar to thebarrier 10, in FIG. 14), may be disposed between the first and secondpairs of magnetic members 2A/2B and 3A/3B. In addition, the barrier (notshown) may not necessarily be a flat-type barrier, but may have aplurality of different geometries. For example, the barrier (not shown)may be formed of a curved surface or a non-linear surface.

FIG. 18 is schematic side view of an exemplary multivariable generatoraccording to the present invention. In FIG. 18, a generator may includea rotor 600 and a pair of stators 400 each disposed on opposing sides ofthe rotor 600. Each of the rotor 600 and the stators 400 may be madefrom non-magnetic materials. Alternatively, the generator may include asingle rotor 600 and one stator 400 disposed at one side of the singlerotor 600. The rotor 600 may include a plurality of magnetic sources 610disposed through a thickness of the rotor 600, and the stator 400 mayinclude a plurality of coil members 410 each disposed along acircumferential portion of the stator 400. For example, the stators 400may include an “n”-number of the coil members 410, whereas the rotor 600may include an “n+1”-number of the magnetic members 610. As an example,the rotor 600 may include an even number of magnetic sources 610, andeach of the stators 400 may include an odd number of coil members 410.Alternatively, the rotor 600 may include an odd number of magneticsources 610, and each of the stators 400 may include an even number ofcoil members 410.

As shown in FIG. 18, each of the coil members 410 may include a coreportion 420 and a coil winding portion 430 disposed concentricallyaround the core portion 420. The core portion 420 may be disposed so asto have a first end portion 422 extending past a first end region 432 ofthe coil winding portion 430, and a second end portion 424 extending tobe flush with an interior surface 440 of the stator 400. The coreportion may be made from amorphous material, such as an amorphousferrite material, and/or magnetite, and/or a ceramic. In addition, thecoil winding portion 430 may include a second end region 434 extendinginto the stator 400, but offset from the interior surface 440 of thestator 400. Accordingly, diamagnetic opposition may be prevented byoffsetting the second end region 434 of the coil winding portion 430from the interior surface 440 of the stator 400. The stator 400 mayfurther include a through-hole 450 to accommodate a rotating shaft 500of the rotor 600. In addition, the through-hole 450 may be used foralignment of the rotating shaft 500 of the rotor 600.

Although not shown in FIG. 18, each of the coil winding portions 430 ofthe stator 400 may include at least two conductive leads that may beelectrically connected to a control system. Accordingly, the currentinduced to the coiling winding portions 430 may be fed to the controlsystem for controlling an output of the generator. Although the coilwinding portions 430 may include two conductive leads, the coil windingportions 430 may include multiple “taps” having a plurality ofconductive leads.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view of an exemplary generator stator accordingto the present invention. In FIG. 19, the coil members 410 may bedistributed to be equally spaced apart around the circumference of thestator 400. For example, each of the coil members 410 may have anoutermost diameter D1 and may be spaced apart from each by a distance D2between the centers of adjacent cores 420. In addition, each of thespaced intervals between adjacent cores 420 may be about twice theoutermost diameter distance D1. Accordingly, a relationship betweenadjacent cores 420 may be approximately represented as D2=2D1. Inaddition, the total number of coil members 410 may be determined, inpart, by the desired output of the generator, as well as the overallphysical size of the coil members 410 and the generator itself.

FIG. 20 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary generator rotoraccording to the present invention. In FIG. 20, a generator rotor 600may include the plurality of magnetic sources 610 distributed to beequally spaced apart around the circumference of the rotor 600. Forexample, each of the magnetic sources 610 may have a diameter D3 and maybe spaced apart from each by a distance D4 between the centers ofadjacent magnetic sources 610. In addition, each of the spaced intervalsbetween adjacent magnetic sources 610 may be about twice the diameterdistance D3. Accordingly, a relationship between adjacent magneticsources may be approximately represented as D4=2D3. The total number ofmagnetic sources 610 may be determined, in part, by the desired outputof the generator, as well as the overall physical size of the magneticsources 610 and the generator itself.

In FIG. 18, the rotor 600 may be connected to the rotating shaft 500using a mechanical fastener system 620 using a plurality of fasteners622. Although a single mechanical fastener system 620 is shown,mechanical fastener systems 620 may be used on opposing sides of therotor 600. In addition, the rotating shaft 500 may be inserted throughthe center portion of the rotor 600. Alternatively, the rotating shaft500 may include two separate rotating shafts extending from opposingsides of the rotor 600, wherein each separate rotating shaft may beconnected to opposing sides of the rotor 600 using a pair of themechanical fastener systems 620. As shown in FIG. 20, an outercircumference of the mechanical fastener system 620 may be relativelyless than the distribution of the magnetic sources 610 spaced apart fromthe rotating shaft 500, thereby reducing any electro-magneticinterference with the magnetic sources 610 and or with the coil members410 of the stator 400. In addition, an outer circumference of themechanical fastener systems 620 may less than the through-hole 450 ofthe stator 400.

In FIG. 18, each of the magnetic sources 610 may fully extend throughthe rotor 600, with end portions of each of the magnetic sources 610being flush with opposing outer surfaces of the rotor 600. In addition,as shown in FIG. 20, each of the magnetic sources 610 may have North Nand South S magnetic poles, wherein adjacent magnetic sources 610 mayhave opposing N and S magnetic poles. Accordingly, since there may be aneven number of magnetic sources 610 distributed along the rotor 600,then there may an equal number of N and S magnetic poles.

In FIG. 18, the rotor 600 may be formed as two separate half portionscombined with a relatively thin membrane 650 therebetween, or the rotor600 may be formed a single unitary body. In addition, as shown in FIG.18, the rotor 600 may include a plurality of countersunk bolts 630 andnuts 635 distributed along a circumference of the rotor 600 to assistcoupling the separate halves of the rotor 600 together. If the rotor 600is formed of a single unitary body, then use of the countersunk bolts630 and nuts 635 may not be unnecessary.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view of an exemplary assembled generatoraccording to the present invention. In FIG. 21, both of the stators 400are positioned to sandwich the rotor 600 and are separated therefrom bya relatively small distance. For example, positioning of the stators 400with the rotor may be accomplished so as to provide a distance within arange of a few thousandths of an inch to a few tenths of an inch betweenthe respective faces of the cores 420 (in FIG. 18) and the magneticsources 610 (in FIG. 18). Thus, the distance between the faces of thecores 420 and the magnetic sources 610 may be adjusted by use ofadjusting fasteners 900 that may be distributed along the outermostcircumference of the stators 400 and extend through the stators 400. Inaddition, a double fastener pair 910 may used in conjunction with theadjusting fasteners 900 to provide a positively locked assembly.

In FIG. 21, a plurality of frame fasteners 800 may be provided tomechanically affix the stators 400 to a base member 830 using aplurality of base fastener pairs 820 and 840. Each of the framefasteners 800 may extend through holes 802 at an upper portion 814 of aframe member 810 into a portion of the stators 400 to be fastened to astator fastener 804 provided at the interior surface 440 (in FIG. 18) ofthe stator 400. Accordingly, a lower portion 816 of the frame member 810may be affixed to the base member 830 using a plurality of the basefastener pairs 820 and 840.

FIGS. 22-29 are exemplary applications of the torque converters,generators, and torque transfer systems previously presented. In each ofthe exemplary applications shown in FIGS. 22-29, a transfer system maybe employed that may include a torque system, as shown in any of FIGS.13-17. Of course, other transfer systems may be used as well. Inaddition, as disclosed above, a generator system may be employed thatmay include a generator, as shown in any of FIGS. 18-21. Furthermore,the torque converter system may include a torque converter, as in any ofFIGS. 1-12.

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary mobile power generationsystem according to the present invention. In FIG. 22, a mobile powergeneration system may include a torque converter 1020 receivingrotational motion from a source 1010 that receives an input 1000 tocontrol the source 1010. The torque converter 1020 may provide an outputcoupled to a generator 1040 via a transfer system 1030, and an output ofthe generator 1040 may be provided as an electrical output 1050.

In FIG. 22, the transfer system 1030 couples the output of the torqueconverted 1020 to the generator system 1040. The transfer system 1030may provide a gradual coupling of the output from the torque converter1020 to an input of the generator system 1040 in order to prevent anyinstantaneous loading of either the torque converter 1020 or thegenerator system 1040. Accordingly, the transfer system 1030 may becontrolled by a communication link 1025 between the transfer system 1030and the torque converter 1020 in order to provide the gradual couplingof the torque converter 1020 to the generator system 1040. As anexample, the transfer system 1030 may provide feedback to the torqueconverter 1020 indicative of operational condition, such as speed,acceleration, deceleration, and torque, in order to reduce, increase, orkeep constant the rotational output of the torque converter 1020.Similarly, the torque converter 1020 may provide information to thetransfer system 1030 that is indicative of operational condition, suchas speed, acceleration, deceleration, and torque, in order to graduallycouple or decouple the transfer system 1030 to/from the torque converter1020.

In FIG. 22, the torque converter system 1020 may be mutually connectedto the generator system 1040 via communication link 1035 in order toprovide relational function status of the torque converter system 1020and the generator system 1040. For example, operational state (i.e.,speed, acceleration, deceleration, etc.) of the torque converter system1020 may be monitored by the generator system 1040, and operationalstate (i.e., speed, acceleration, deceleration, electrical output, etc.)of the generator system 1040 may be monitored by the torque convertersystem 1020. Accordingly, variations of the torque converter system 1020and the generator system 1040 may be mutually monitored and controlled.In addition, the generator system 1040 may provide electrical energy tothe source 1010 to drive in whole or in-part the torque converter system1020 instead of using the input 1000.

The torque converter system 1020 may be provided with a shielding 1062in order to prevent transmission of sound and/or magnetic fieldinterference. The shielding 1062 also prevents outside signals frominterfering with the torque converter system 1020. Likewise, thegenerator system 1040 may be provided with a shielding 1064.Furthermore, or in the alternative, a shielding 1060 may be providedaround the each of the torque converter 1020, the transfer system 1030,and the generator system 1040.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary drive system according tothe present invention. In FIG. 23, a drive system may include a torqueconverter 1120 receiving rotational motion from a source 1110 thatreceives an input 1100 to drive the source 1110. The torque converter1120 may provide an output coupled to a generator system 1130, and anoutput of the generator system 1130 may be provided as an electricaloutput 1140. In the addition, the generator system 1130 may alsotransmit rotational motion to a transfer system 1150 that may coupled toan output system 1160, such as a drive shaft coupled one or morerotationally-driven devices. Accordingly, the generator system 1130 maysimultaneously (or separately) produce electrical and rotational outputs1140 and 1160.

In FIG. 23, the torque converter system 1120 may be mutually connectedto the generator system 1130 via communication link 1125 in order toprovide relational function status of the torque converter system 1120and the generator system 1130. For example, operational state of thetorque converter system 1120 may be monitored by the generator system1130, and operational state of the generator system 1130 may bemonitored by the torque converter system 1120. Accordingly, variationsof the torque converter system 1120 and the generator system 1130 may bemutually monitored and controlled. In addition, the generator system1130 may provide electrical energy to drive the torque converter system1120 instead of using the source 1110 and the input 1100.

The torque converter system 1120 may be provided with a shielding 1170in order to prevent transmission of sound and/or magnetic fieldinterference. Moreover, the shielding 1170 may prevent outside signalsfrom interfering with the torque converter system 1120. Likewise, thegenerator system 1130 may be provided with a shielding 1180.Furthermore, or in the alternative, a shielding 1190 may be provided forthe torque converter 1120 and the generator system 1130.

According to the present invention, both electric and rotationalenergies may be produced without any appreciable interference fromambient surroundings, and the electric and rotational energies producedby the exemplary drive system may not be detectable. Thus, the exemplarydrive system according to the present invention provides electric androtational energies that may not be detectable.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary variable speed directdrive system according to the present invention. In FIG. 24, a variablespeed direct drive system may include a torque converter 1220 receivingrotational motion from a source 1210 that is driven by an input 1200.The torque converter system 1220 may provide an output coupled to agenerator system 1230, and an output of the generator system 1230 may beprovided as one or multiple electrical outputs 1240. If multiple outputsare provided, they could be either different electrical outputs orsimilar electrical outputs. Accordingly, the generator system 1230 maysimultaneously (or separately) produce electrical outputs 1240 eachcoupled to a motor drive 1250 in order to provide rotational motion to asystem 1260, such as wheels, brake systems, and sub-systems requiringrotational motion.

In FIG. 24, the torque converter system 1220 may be mutually connectedto the generator system 1230 via communication link 1225 in order toprovide relational function status of the torque converter system 1220and the generator system 1230. As an example, the generator system 1230may provide feedback to the torque converter system 1220 indicative ofoperational condition, such as speed, acceleration, deceleration, andtorque, in order to reduce, increase, or keep constant the rotationaloutput of the torque converter system 1220. Similarly, the torqueconverter system 1220 may provide information to the generator system1230 that is indicative of operational condition, such as speed,acceleration, deceleration, and torque, in order to increase or decreaseoutput of the generator system 1230. Accordingly, variations of thetorque converter system 1220 and the generator system 1230 may bemutually monitored and controlled. In addition, the generator system1230 may provide electrical energy to drive the torque converter system1220 instead of using the source 1210 and the input 1200.

According to the present invention, multiple systems, or sub-systems maybe operated. In addition, the exemplary variable speed direct drivesystem may provide a gyroscopic effect depending upon orientation of thetorque converter system. For example, placing one of each of theexemplary variable speed direct drive systems at wheels of a vehicle mayprovide for stability while the vehicle is turning corners or passingthrough curved roadways.

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vehicle transmissionsystem according to the present invention. In FIG. 25, a vehicletransmission system may include a torque converter 1320 receivingrotational motion from a source 1310 that in driven by an input 1300.The torque converter 1320 may provide multiple outputs to provide bothrotational and electrical energies.

In FIG. 25, the torque converter 1320 may produce a first output to atransfer system 1330 that, in turn, may produce a rotational energy todrive a generator system 1332. Accordingly, the generator system 1332may produce an electrical output 1334. In addition, the torque converter1320 may produce a second output to a transfer system 1340 that, inturn, may produce a rotational energy to a system 1342. The rotationalenergy provided to system 1342 may have a rotation ratio of X:1, whereinX may be 2, 4, 16, and 32, compared to a rotational speed of the source1310 to the torque converter system 1320. Furthermore, the torqueconverter 1320 may produce a third output to a transfer system 1350that, in turn, may produce a rotational energy to a system 1352.Accordingly, the rotational energy provided to system 1352 may have arotation ratio of Y:1, wherein Y may be 2, 4, 16, and 32, or may beequal to X, compared to a rotational speed of the source 1310 to thetorque converter system 1320. Finally, the torque converter 1320 mayproduce a fourth output to a transfer system 1360 that, in turn, mayproduce a rotational energy to a generator system 1370. Accordingly, thegenerator system 1370 may produce an electrical output to a motor drive1380 coupled to a system 1382.

In FIG. 25, each of the transfer systems 1330, 1340, 1350, and 1360couples the output of the torque converted 1320 to one of the generatorsystems 1332 and 1370 or to the systems 1342 and 1352. The transfersystems 1330, 1340, 1350, and 1360 may provide a gradual coupling of theoutput from the torque converter 1320 to an input of the generatorsystems 1332 and 1370 and to the systems 1342 and 1352 in order toprevent any instantaneous loading of either the torque converter 1320 orthe generator systems 1332 and 1370 and the systems 1342 and 1352.Accordingly, the transfer systems 1330 and 1360 may be controlled bycommunication links 1335 and 1337 between the transfer systems 1330 and1360, respectively, and the torque converter system 1320 in order toprovide the gradual coupling of the torque converter system 1320 to thegenerator systems 1332 and 1370. In addition, the communication links1335 and 1337 may also provide relational function status of the torqueconverter system 1320 and the transfer systems 1330 and 1360.Furthermore, an electrical energy from the electrical output 1334 may befed back into the torque converter system 1320 to drive the torqueconverter 1320, such that the source 1310 and input 1300 may not benecessary.

In FIG. 25, the torque converter system 1320 may be mutually connectedto the generator systems 1332 and 1370 via communication links 1325 and1327 in order to provide relational function status (i.e., speed,acceleration, deceleration, etc.) of the torque converter system 1320and the generator systems 1332 and 1370. For example, operational stateof the torque converter system 1320 may be monitored by the generatorsystems 1332 and 1370, and operational state of the generator systems1332 and 1370 may be monitored by the torque converter system 1320.Accordingly, variations of the torque converter system 1320 and thegenerator systems 1332 and 1370 may be mutually monitored and controlledin order to provide a balanced overall system. In addition, thegenerator systems 1332 and 1370 may provide electrical energy to drivethe torque converter system 1320 instead of using the source 1310 andthe input 1300.

FIG. 26 is an exemplary dual output shaft system according to thepresent invention. In FIG. 26, a dual output shaft system may include asingle flywheel 109 magnetically coupled to a pair of generator disks111 a and 111 b. The flywheel 109 may have various configurations, asdetailed in FIG. 1, and the generator disks 111 a and 111 b, as shown inFIG. 4. Each of the generator disks 111 a and 111 b may be coupled toshafts 307 a and 307 b, respectively, wherein the shaft 307 a may beconcentrically aligned with the shaft 307 b to produce opposingrotational motions about a common axis. For example, the shaft 307 a maypass through a center portion of the second generator disk 111 b andalong an axial length of the shaft 307 b.

In addition, depending upon the magnetic coupling configuration betweenthe flywheel 109 and each of the generator disks 111 a and 111 b (i.e.,relative rotation ratios), different rotation ratios X:1 and Y:1,respectively, in FIG. 25, may be produced. For example, the firstgenerator disk 111 a may be magnetically coupled to the flywheel 109 atone-half the magnetic coupling of the second generator disk 111 b to theflywheel 109. Accordingly, the rotation ratio X:1 of the first generatordisk 111 a may be one-half the rotation ratio Y:1 of the secondgenerator disk 111 b. Of course, the relative rotation ratio X:Y may bevaried by changing the magnetic couplings of the first and secondgenerator disks 111 a and 111 b.

According to the present invention, an exemplary vehicle transmissionsystem may include a single torque converter system 1320 to provide atleast four different outputs to systems or sub-systems of a vehicle.Thus, both rotational and electrical energies may be produced by asingle source system, thereby simplifying vehicle design and operation.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary internal impeller systemaccording to the present invention. In FIG. 27, an internal impellersystem may include a torque converter system 1420 receiving a rotationalinput from a source 1410 driven by an input 1400. The torque converter1420 provides a rotational output to a transfer system input 1430 a.Accordingly, the rotational output provided to the transfer system input1430 a may be transmitted through a sidewall portion of a fluid conduit1440 to a transfer system output 1430 b. Thus, a fluid driver 1450(i.e., impeller or turbine) coupled to the transfer system output 1430 bmay be driven by the torque converter system 1420, thereby driving afluid 1460 through the fluid conduit 1440.

In FIG. 27, the internal impeller system may be reversed such that thefluid 1460 flowing through the fluid conduit 1440 may drive the transfersystem output 1430 b in order to drive the transfer system input 1430 a.Accordingly, the torque converter system 1420 may be driven by the flowof the fluid 1460, thereby generating rotational motion to drive agenerator (not shown) or some other system requiring rotational motion.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vehicle charging systemaccording to the present invention. In FIG. 28, a vehicle chargingsystem may include a torque converter 1520 receiving a rotational inputfrom a source 1510 driven by an input 1500 to control the source 1510.The torque converter 1520 may provide an output coupled to a generator1540 via a transfer system 1530, and an output of the generator 1540 maybe provided as an electrical output 1550.

In FIG. 28, the transfer system 1530 couples the output of the torqueconverter 1520 to the generator system 1540. The transfer system 1530may provide a gradual coupling of the output from the torque converter1520 to an input of the generator system 1540 in order to prevent anyinstantaneous loading of either the torque converter 1520 or thegenerator system 1540. Accordingly, the transfer system 1530 may becontrolled by a communication link 1525 between the transfer system 1530and the torque converter 1520 in order to provide the gradual couplingof the torque converter 1520 to the generator system 1540. In addition,the communication link 1525 may also provide relational function statusof the torque converter 1520 and the transfer system 1530.

In FIG. 28, the torque converter system 1520 may be mutually connectedto the generator system 1540 via communication link 1535 in order toprovide relational function status of the torque converter system 1520and the generator system 1540. For example, operational state of thetorque converter system 1520 may be monitored by the generator system1540, and operational state of the generator system 1540 may bemonitored by the torque converter system 1520. Accordingly, variationsof the torque converter system 1520 and the generator system 1540 may bemutually monitored and controlled. In addition, the generator system1540 may provide electrical energy to drive the torque converter system1520 instead of using the source 1510 and the input 1500.

In FIG. 28, the electrical output 1550 may be connected to a controller1560, wherein the controller 1560 distributes the electrical output 1550from the generator system 1540 to one of a first bank 1570 a and asecond bank 1570 b. In addition, the controller 1560 may convert orcondition the electrical output 1550 based upon electrical requirementsof the vehicle or vehicle charging system. Both the first bank 1570 aand the second bank 1570 b produce operations voltages and rechargevoltages. For example, a first system 1580 may include the operationsvoltage from the first bank 1570 a and the recharge voltage from thesecond bank 1570 b. Similarly, a second system 1590 may include therecharge voltage from the first bank 1570 a and the operations voltagefrom the second bank 1570 b. According to the present invention, theoperations and recharge voltages may be differently connected.

As an example, one the first and second systems 1570 a and 1570 b mayalways provide operations voltages 1584 or 1594 to operate electricaland electro-mechanical systems of the vehicle, as well as to providerecharge voltages 1584 or 1594 to recharge systems of the vehicle.Moreover, each of the first and second systems 1580 and 1590 providesfeedback signals 1582 and 1592, respectively, to the controller 1560 inorder to control inputs to the first and second banks 1570 a and 1570 b.For example, the controller 1560 may provide a switching function toprovide the electrical output 1550 to one of the first and second banks1570 a and 1570 b based upon the feedback signals 1582 and 1592.Specifically, the feedback signals 1582 and 1592 may indicate voltagelevels of the first and second systems 1580 and 1590 in order to directthe switching function of the controller 1560.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary aircraft power systemaccording to the present invention. In FIG. 29, an aircraft power systemmay include a generator drive system 1610 receiving an electrical inputfrom a device source 1600 to produce a rotational energy to an aircraftsystem 1640, such as a propeller. In addition, the generator drivesystem 1610 may be coupled to a torque converter system 1630 via atransfer system 1620. The transfer system 1620 couples the rotationalmotion output by the generator driver system 1610 to the torqueconverter system 1630. The transfer system 1620 may provide a gradualcoupling of the rotational output from the generator system 1610 to aninput of the torque converter system 1630 in order to prevent anyinstantaneous loading of either the generator drive system 1610 or thetorque converter system 1630. Accordingly, the transfer system 1620 maybe controlled by a communication link 1615 between the generator drivesystem 1610 and the transfer system 1620 in order to provide the gradualcoupling of the generator drive system 1610 to the torque convertersystem 1630. In addition, the communication link 1625 may also providerelational function status of the transfer system 1620 and the torqueconverter system 1630.

In FIG. 29, the torque converter system 1630 may be mutually connectedto the generator drive system 1610 via communication link 1635 in orderto provide relational function status of the torque converter system1630 and the generator drive system 1610. For example, operational stateof the torque converter system 1630 may be monitored by the generatordrive system 1610, and operational state of the generator drive system1610 may be monitored by the torque converter system 1630. Accordingly,variations of the torque converter system 1630 and the generator drivesystem 1610 may be mutually monitored and controlled.

In FIG. 29, the aircraft system 1640 may include at least one of ahydraulic pump system and/or a power distribution network within anaircraft. In addition, the aircraft system 1640 may include at least onesystem and/or subsystems that require rotational input for operation.Furthermore, use of the term “aircraft” may also include structures usedin zero or near-zero gravity, as well as structures used in marineapplications, such as submarines, underwater buildings, and propulsionsystems.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary multiple power generatingsystem according to the present invention. In FIG. 30, a shaft 124 maybe coupled to a plurality of flywheels 109 a-d each magnetically coupledto a plurality of generator disks 111 a-d. The flywheels 109 a-d mayhave configurations similar to those shown in FIGS. 1-12, and thegenerator disks 111 a-d may have configurations similar to those shownin FIGS. 4, 5, and 7-11. In addition, the total number of flywheels 109a-d and the total number of generator disks 111 a-d may be more or lessthan those shown in FIG. 30. Accordingly, each of the generator disks111 a-d may produce individual rotational outputs that may be coupled toother devices requiring rotational input. For example, any of thesystems shown in FIGS. 22-29 may incorporate the multiple powergenerating system of FIG. 30.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram of another exemplary power generatingsystem according to the present invention. In FIG. 31, a single flywheel109 may be coupled to a plurality of generator disks 111 a-d. Theflywheel 109 may have a configuration similar to those shown in FIGS.1-12, and the generator disks 111 a-d may have configurations similar tothose shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7-11. In addition, the total number ofgenerator disks 111 a-d may be more or less than those shown in FIG. 31.Accordingly, each of the generator disks 111 a-d may produce individualrotational outputs that may be coupled to other devices requiringrotational input. For example, any of the systems shown in FIGS. 22-29may incorporate the multiple power generating system of FIG. 31.

In addition, according to the present invention, a combination of theindividual systems shown in FIGS. 30 and 31 may be provided wherein eachof the flywheels 109 a-d as shown in FIG. 30, may be coupled to theplurality of generator disks 111 a-d as shown in FIG. 31. Accordingly,each of the flywheels 109 a-d, in FIG. 30, may be capable of producing aplurality of rotational outputs from the generator disks 111 a-d, inFIG. 31. Although four generator disks 111 a-d are shown in FIG. 31,different pluralities may be provided to be magnetically coupled to theflywheel 109 upon rotation of the flywheel 109 and the generator disks111 a-d.

According to the present invention, each of the generator disks 111 a-das shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, may be coupled to any of the exemplarytorque transfer systems, as shown in FIGS. 13-17, in order to provide agradual transfer of torque. In addition, based upon the specificconfiguration of each of the generator disks 111 a-d, differentrotational outputs may be provided, as disclosed with respect to thesystem of FIG. 26.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the power generating systemsof the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention coversthe modifications and variations of this invention provided they comewithin the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A motor drive system, comprising: a torque converter system receivinga rotational motion having a first torque from a source and producing arotational output having a second torque, the torque convertercomprising: a flywheel rotatable about a first axis, the flywheelincluding a first body portion, a first plurality of magnets mounted inthe first body portion, each of the first plurality of magnets extendingalong a corresponding radial direction with respect to the first axis,and a second plurality of magnets mounted in the first body portion,each of the second plurality of magnets being located between acorresponding adjacent pair of the first plurality of magnets, theflywheel receiving the rotational motion having the first torque; and agenerator disk rotatable about a second axis, the generator diskincluding a second body portion, and a third plurality of magnets withinthe second body portion magnetically coupled to the first and secondpluralities of magnets upon rotation of the flywheel and the generatordisk, the generator disk being coupled to produce the rotational outputhaving the second torque; a generator system receiving the rotationaloutput of the torque converter system and producing at least oneelectrical output coupled to at least one output control system; atleast one motor drive coupled to an output of the output control system;and an output system coupled to the motor drive.
 2. The motor drivesystem according to claim 1, wherein the torque converter system and thegenerator system are mutually connected to provide relational functionstatus of the torque converter system and the generator system.
 3. Themotor drive system according to claim 1, wherein the generator system isconnected to the torque converter system to drive the torque convertersystem.
 4. The motor drive system according to claim 1, wherein thefirst plurality of magnets are permanent magnets.
 5. The motor drivesystem according to claim 1, wherein the second plurality of magnets arepermanent magnets.
 6. The motor drive system according to claim 1,wherein the third plurality of magnets are permanent magnets.
 7. Themotor drive system according to claim 6, wherein the first plurality ofmagnets are permanent magnets.
 8. The motor drive system according toclaim 7, wherein the second plurality of magnets are permanent magnets.